HIV/AIDS Glossary

Peripheral Nervous System
(PNS)

Peripheral Nervous System

The part of the nervous system that is made up of the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) transmits information from the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body; it also transmits sensory information back to the brain and spinal cord. HIV infection or use of certain antiretroviral (ARV) drugs can cause damage to the PNS.